College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery at Des Moines University

The College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery at Des Moines University (CPMS) is located in metropolitan Des Moines, Iowa. CPMS was the first podiatry school to fully integrate with a medical school (Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine) and has continued to establish a top tier education platform by integrating problem-based learning into the curriculum. CPMS also sets itself apart from most other podiatry schools in that the 4th year is completed dedicated to nationwide clinical training. CPMS has consistently maintained higher than average pass rates on board exams.

Of the 9 cities to host podiatric medical schools, Des Moines has the smallest metropolitan population, despite the fact that it is still in a large city. Those seeking a smaller community feel while attending school will likely appreciate Des Moines in comparison with other school locations.

School Mission/Vision:

"To attract highly motivated students to learn in a distinctive program of podiatric medical education where they are taught and mentored by faculty recognized for their clinical competencies and scientific contributions. Students acquire the tools for success in today’s dynamic health care environment while developing the skills needed for ongoing professional growth and leadership." (http://dmu.edu)

Location:

CPMS is located in Des Moines, IA. Des Moines, Iowa was rated the #9 "Best City to Live, Work and Play" by Kiplinger Magazine, and rated on the "Top 100 Best Cities to Live 2008" by RelocateAmerica.com. Akeny, Iowa, a suburb of Des Moines was rated one of the "10 Best Towns for Families" by Family Circle Magazine.

Application Requirements:

GPA (Cumulative): 2.5 minimum

Admissions Tests Accepted:

MCAT: Required. No data is available for a minimum score required on the MCAT

DAT: n/a

GRE: n/a

In addition to a Bachelor's Degree, student must have completed the follow undergraduate course work:

• English (6 semester hours)
• Biology (8 semester hours) - must include a laboratory
• Physics (8 semester hours)
• General or Inorganic Chemistry (8 semester hours) - must include a laboratory
• Organic Chemistry (4 semester hours) - must include a laboratory

Background check required: Yes

Recommendation Letters Required: 2 (Minimum)

• One letter from an academic advisor, science professor or pre-professional advisory committee
• One letter from a podiatric physician whom you have shadowed

Curriculum:

1st Year - Basic Science Courses

2nd Year - Basice Science Courses

3rd Year - Clinical Rotations and Courses

4th Year - Clinical Rotations

School Demographics:

First Year Enrollment: 55

2008 Profile:

Male:59%

Female: 41%

GPA:3.41 (Science GPA: 3.35)

MCAT: 23

Average Age: 24

Cost of Attending:

Tuition: $26,484 (includes fees)

Fees: (included above)

2009-2010 Student Budget: $48,431

Living in Des Moines, IA:

Population: Des Moines has an estimated total population of 193,886. It is located in the heart of Iowa and is the state's most populous city.

Demographics: Des Moines is predominantly Caucasian (about 80%) but claims a fairly diverse mix of races within the area. About 8% of the population is black and another 8% claims Hispanic ethnicity.

Housing: Des Moines housing costs are slightly lower than the average housing costs across the US. Median home value is approx. $142,000.

Cost of Living: Cost of living in Des Moines is significantly lower than the national average.The cost of utilities are slightly higher than the national average but this cost is compensated for by the low cost of food and other necessities.

Employment Opportunities: The economy in Des Moines is very stable and finding an adequate job should not be difficult although the median income is slightly lower than average.

Weather: Des Moines has wildly varying temperatures year round. Summer weather can often be hot and humid while winters are frequently cold and snowy. Here are average temperatures for January and July (in Fahrenheit):

January: High = 29, Low = 12

July: High = 86, Low = 66

Things to do: Des Moines has many historical attractions and a wide variety of entertainment. The internationally acclaimed Des Moines Art Center and Salisbury House & Gardens are must see attractions in the area. Shopping and dining opportunities are plentiful throughout the city.

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